Which classification level corresponds to unauthorized disclosure could reasonably be expected to cause DAMAGE to national security?

• A. Confidential
• B. Secret
• C. Top Secret
• D. Unclassified

Answer: (A)

Information is labeled by the potential harm its unauthorized disclosure could cause to national security. When the release could reasonably be expected to cause damage, that information is classified as Confidential. It flags sensitive material that needs protection, but the risk is not at the level that would merit Secret or Top Secret. If disclosure could cause serious damage, the level would be Secret; if it could cause exceptionally grave damage, Top Secret. Unclassified is used for information not sensitive to national security, though it may still have access controls for other reasons. In this case, the described risk aligns with Confidential.